Montreal, one of Canada’s largest cities and a bustling hub of commerce, tourism, and culture, has witnessed an explosive demand for rideshare services over the past decade. As of 2025, Uber remains a top player in the city’s transportation scene, offering flexible earning opportunities for thousands of drivers. But the golden question persists: How much do Uber drivers make in Montreal?
This article dives deep into every dimension of the Uber driver earnings equation in Montreal—from gross hourly and annual income, to vehicle expenses, surge pricing, taxes, tips, bonuses, strategic driving techniques, and testimonials from real drivers. If you’re curious about joining Uber in Montreal or just want to understand what drivers earn in one of Canada's most dynamic cities, read on.
Understanding the Uber Economy in Montreal
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and home to more than 4.2 million people in the metropolitan area. Uber operates extensively across the Island of Montreal and in surrounding areas like Laval, Longueuil, and even the South Shore. The city's multilingual, multicultural, and tech-friendly environment makes it a perfect landscape for rideshare platforms.
The demand for Uber spikes during:
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Tourist seasons (summer festivals, winter carnivals)
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Peak commuting hours
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Severe weather conditions
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University rush hours (McGill, Concordia, UQAM)
This cyclical and situational demand structure means Uber drivers can experience large swings in earnings depending on their driving patterns and city knowledge.
Average Earnings for Uber Drivers in Montreal (2025 Data)
Let’s break down the earnings numbers using 2025 statistics from Glassdoor, Indeed, Reddit testimonials, and Uber’s internal estimates.
Annual Gross Income (before expenses):
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Low end: CA$39,000 (part-time, inconsistent hours)
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Average: CA$47,000–CA$56,000
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High end: CA$65,000+ (full-time, surge-focused drivers)
Hourly Gross Pay (before expenses):
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Base: CA$17–20/hour (non-peak)
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Average: CA$20–27/hour
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High potential: CA$30–45/hour (during surge or event-based driving)
Weekly Gross Pay (Full-Time):
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35–50 hours/week = CA$900–1,300/week
Note: These figures are gross earnings, which means they do not account for any expenses like gas, insurance, maintenance, Uber’s commission, or taxes.
How Much Do Uber Drivers Really Take Home? (After Expenses)
After accounting for vehicle expenses, Uber drivers’ net earnings are significantly lower than gross pay. Here's an approximate breakdown:
Typical Monthly Costs for Uber Drivers in Montreal:
Expense Category | Monthly Cost (CAD) |
---|---|
Fuel (Gasoline) | $300–$450 |
Maintenance | $100–$200 |
Insurance | $150–$350 |
Car Loan or Lease | $300–$600 |
Uber’s Service Fee | 25% of fares |
Cleaning + Misc | $50–$100 |
Estimated Monthly Expense Total: CA$900–1,500
Net Hourly Income:
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After costs, the average Uber driver earns around CA$12–18/hour.
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This can vary greatly depending on car efficiency, driving strategy, and whether you're targeting surge hours.
What Influences Uber Driver Earnings in Montreal?
Uber driver earnings are never static. Several factors directly influence what drivers earn on a weekly or monthly basis:
1. Time of Day & Week
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Morning rush (7:00–9:30 AM) and evening commute (4:00–7:00 PM) offer the highest base rates.
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Weekend nights (8:00 PM–2:00 AM) can yield CA$30–45/hr.
2. Geographic Location
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Downtown, Old Port, the Plateau, Mile End, and airports see more trips and longer fares.
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Avoid low-demand residential suburbs unless doing Uber Eats.
3. Driver Rating
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A high rating (4.9+) can influence tip frequency and access to bonuses.
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Low-rated drivers are penalized via reduced ride offers.
4. Vehicle Type
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Uber Comfort or XL cars command higher fares.
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Hybrids and EVs reduce operational costs significantly.
5. Bonus Programs & Promotions
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Uber Quest (complete X trips = $X bonus)
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Consecutive Trips Bonus
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Referral programs
Driver Testimonials: What Are Montreal Drivers Saying?
“I usually average $1,100 per week, driving 45 hours. My Prius helps keep gas costs low, so I pocket about $700 after gas and maintenance.” – Marc, 3 years with Uber
“Festival season is gold. I made over $1,500 during Osheaga weekend alone, just driving 8-hour shifts at night.” – Sasha, part-time Uber & Uber Eats driver
“Winter is a mixed bag. You get more riders, but also spend more on car repairs and longer driving times due to snow.” – Pierre, full-time driver with Uber XL
These testimonies support the earnings ranges discussed earlier—showing variability, but also potential for high earnings if managed strategically.
Surge Pricing and Events: When to Earn More
In Montreal, surge pricing—also called dynamic pricing—kicks in when rider demand exceeds driver supply. This happens frequently during:
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Snowstorms or bad weather
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Montreal Grand Prix
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Just for Laughs Festival
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Osheaga and Jazz Festival
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Large concerts at Bell Centre
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STM transit strikes
Surge multipliers can boost fare rates by 1.5x to 3.0x depending on how saturated the zone is. Smart drivers study heat maps and know how to “be in the right place at the right time.”
Cost of Living vs Uber Earnings in Montreal
To evaluate if Uber driving is viable as a full-time gig, compare it against the local cost of living.
Basic Monthly Living Costs in Montreal (2025)
Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
---|---|
Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $1,300 |
Utilities + Internet | $150 |
Groceries & Dining | $500 |
Transportation (Gas/Uber) | $400 |
Phone & Data | $80 |
Entertainment/Misc | $200 |
Total | ~$2,630 |
If you're netting CA$3,000+ monthly, Uber can cover your basic needs. But for savings, debt payments, or supporting a family, many Uber drivers combine rideshare with a second gig.
Maximizing Income: Pro Tips from Top Montreal Uber Drivers
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Use a hybrid or electric vehicle
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Saves hundreds monthly in gas.
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Target airport pickups and drop-offs
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Flat-rate trips to/from YUL pay well and often tip better.
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Drive during surges and events only
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Some part-time drivers earn more than full-timers with better strategy.
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Track every expense for tax time
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Use apps like Stride, Hurdlr, or QuickBooks Self-Employed.
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Multiplatform strategy
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Combine UberX with Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Lyft if available.
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Stay updated with Uber driver communities
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Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, and Telegram chats can help you avoid blitzes and find hotspots.
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Comparing Montreal to Other Canadian Cities
City | Avg Hourly Gross | Avg Net Pay/hr | Gas Costs | Surge Potential |
---|---|---|---|---|
Montreal | $20–27/hr | $12–18/hr | Moderate | High |
Toronto | $22–30/hr | $14–20/hr | High | Very High |
Vancouver | $21–28/hr | $13–18/hr | High | Moderate |
Calgary | $19–25/hr | $11–16/hr | Low | Low |
Ottawa | $18–24/hr | $11–16/hr | Low | Moderate |
Montreal strikes a strong balance between rider demand, fuel costs, and surge potential—placing it among the top 3 cities in Canada for Uber drivers.
Tax Considerations for Uber Drivers in Quebec
Uber drivers in Montreal are considered independent contractors and must:
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Report all income on their T2125 (Statement of Business Activities)
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Register for GST/QST if annual income exceeds CA$30,000
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Deduct expenses like:
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Fuel
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Insurance
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Repairs
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Depreciation
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Cell phone
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Car washes, tolls, parking
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Work with a tax professional or use CRA-approved software to avoid audits and maximize returns.
Pros and Cons of Uber Driving in Montreal
Pros
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Flexible hours
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High event-based demand
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No boss or fixed location
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Paid weekly (or daily via Instant Pay)
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Potential to earn well with smart driving
Cons
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Wear and tear on vehicle
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No benefits (health, retirement, vacation)
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Highly weather-dependent
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Income inconsistency
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No safety net (sick leave, disability)
Conclusion: Is It Worth Driving for Uber in Montreal in 2025?
Driving Uber in Montreal can be a profitable and flexible gig—especially for people who understand the market, drive strategically, and minimize expenses. With average net earnings in the range of CA$12–18/hour and potential for much higher during surges and events, Uber driving is ideal for:
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Students and part-time workers
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Freelancers or remote workers seeking side income
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Immigrants or new residents building flexible schedules
However, Uber may not be enough for those with high monthly obligations unless paired with other income streams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make $1000 a week with Uber in Montreal?
Yes, with consistent 40–50 hours/week and surge driving, many full-time drivers report $1000–$1300 in gross weekly earnings.
Q: Do Uber drivers in Montreal get tips?
Yes! The app allows tipping, and Montreal riders tend to tip more during bad weather or late-night rides.
Q: Is Uber or Uber Eats better in Montreal?
Uber rides typically pay more per trip, but Uber Eats offers more orders per hour. Many successful drivers do both.
Q: How do I sign up for Uber in Montreal?
You’ll need a valid Class 5 license, a background check, vehicle inspection, and to register with the Bureau du taxi de Montréal.
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